How capable are Discos off road?

[Muddymatt]

Hi Guys.

I'm usually on the Suzuki side of things, but I'm thinking of buying an L reg TDI disco. It has a 2" lift and new(ish) muds. How good are these off road as I have seen mixed results??

Thanks in anticipation

Matt

[ralph]

with a driver who knows how to handle it properly & get the most out of the vehicle, it'll go everywhere a 90 or 110 will.

just watch some of the camel trophy video's.

[Muddymatt]

Thanks Ralph.....

[paul_c]

Rear overhang, is the only real limitation compared to some other off roaders. But then that's down to the interior space on offer, and is the same as Range Rover, similar to other equivalently-sized cars, etc. Obviously a LR 90 or SWB Japanese will have less rear overhang but less interior space too.

Apart from that, its down to any other of the common factors, eg tyres, driver, etc

[Muddymatt]

Cheers Paul....

[bigbadtonka]

A 2" lift, 33" tyres and a modified towbar will help a lot to reduce the catching of the overhang. so far i have the first two still hear the tow bar banging on big bumps but never really got it "hanging" on the rear yet.

[crazymac]

Take the front valence off, fit a tank guard and detachable hitch and you won't have a problem.

I run mine with no lift, 235.85R16 Cooper STT tyres, winch bumper which is higher than standard so better approach angles, and a guardian tank guard and go everywhere I want.

Yes i've been stuck, but its been hard work getting it stuck and usually when still on road pressures, and its been the thick mud thats stopped me not approach, rampover or departure angles.

[Muddymatt]

Cheers guys. Its got a 2" lift and 31 or 32" tyres so I will have a look at the tow bar when I go view it.

[deadeye]

There's only two issues I have with my standard disco:

1. rear overhang. The towbar 'plough' does catch, but it's not hung me up. yet.

2. deep ruts. 33" tyres should help here.

The main reason I get stuck is the link between the pedals and steering wheel.

[Let Luce]

The biggest problem you'll have with an L reg disco is rot.

I'm sure you know but check the boot floor under the carpet, the body mounts, the inner wings/wheel arches as they all fall apart.

I've just spent far too long welding up a friends M reg disco for it's MOT.

They're fairly capable off road, most depends on the driver. If it's lifted check the springs are retained properly or have relocation cones, as the ones I've seen have a habit of popping out and coming very close to crushing the brake pipe when they don't go back in properly. Other than that, they're slow, and handle like a sack of....

[Muddymatt]

Once again. Thanks for the advise.

I have been to look at the car today and it is in reasonable condition. There is a small issue with rot in the boot floor and it has gone as far as the boot door pillar (it is slightly loose at the bottom) But all in all I don't think it is too bad and the suspension, lift and tyres are brand new.

[bk]

A few of my mates have discos and they tell me once you start with rot and rust on a disco its only a matter of time before it starts costing big bucks for welding

[big ad]

buy yourself a welder or even better get a few friends to chip in and you can all use it and learn a new skill.

[sjmark]

deffo get a welder weve been building an m reg for weeks now two body mounts both sills both inner wings boot fllor and supports and inner rear arches all shot not something i would want to tackle again